4 replies to this topic

[themanyo33]

When i was younger i used differin cream and it helped to bring pimples to the surface. I don't use it anymore but recently got a pimple and i really want to draw it to the surface. Can i use my roomates Retin-A gel or does Retin-A not do that.

[thorn]

Retin-A changes the rate at which the skin sheds its skin cells, so it would do nothing for bringing it to a head. Try toothpaste or BP if you have some. It will dry it out

[Wynne]

When i was younger i used differin cream and it helped to bring pimples to the surface. I don't use it anymore but recently got a pimple and i really want to draw it to the surface. Can i use my roomates Retin-A gel or does Retin-A not do that.

Retin A doesn't work as a spot treatment. It achieves its maximum effectiveness through use on the entire area, and it increases skin cell turnover and also thins one of the outer layers of the skin. It swells one of the inner layers, essentially pushing it up against the thinner outer layer. So spot treating with it doesn't work. It's a long term treatment.

Benzoyl Peroxide is a good spot treatment. Neosporin is a decent spot treatment.

Ice would decrease the inflammation and make the spot less red and irritated looking. Don't apply ice directly to the spot, put some kind of barrier between the ice and your skin; paper towel, thin cloth towel. Hold the ice to the spot for several minutes at a time but NOT until your skin gets pale. I can tolerate maybe 2 minutes or less of cold and that's it. Ice on, ice off for several minutes to rest the skin. Do that for 20 minutes: ice on, ice off intermittently. Repeat several times a day. The redness will go down.

[Apomes]

I disagree! If you have little bumps and you want them to come to the surface you can put Retin-A on it, cause it will inflame the litlle bump making it a whitehead and pop open!
That's why I need to use Minocycline while on Retin-A, because it can inflame those little bumps.

[themanyo33]

I did spot treat it with the Retin-A yesterday and i dont think it did anything at all like your posts say. I was able to get rid of it today though and am not as pissed today as i was yesterday as i can just wait for it to heal now. Thanks to all who replied.